THE GERMAN SHEPHERD SENTINEL
JULY 2007 - NEWSLETTER
OF THE
GSDC OF GREATER RALEIGH
Janine Hamlin, Newsletter Editor
2013 Ruddy Road, Raleigh, NC 27616
PH: 919-649-4112, E-Mail: jhamlin@nc.rr.com
Website: www.gsdcofgrraleigh.org
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Board Policy on Dogs at Club Sponsored Events
2. July, August, and September Meeting Information
3. May and June Minutes
4. Summertime Alert for Dogs Who Swim
5. Prevent Your Dog From Suffering Heat Stress This Summer
6. Dog Letters to God
BOARD POLICY ON DOGS AT CLUB SPONSORED EVENTS
The GSDC of Greater Raleigh welcomes your German Shepherd at our events, including meetings. However, the following rules must be followed:
1. Anyone with an aggressive dog (one that growls, snaps, or is in any way aggressive towards other dogs or people) must be muzzled.
2. Dogs will be free of loose hair and external parasites (fleas or ticks). Please brush your dog prior to bringing it to the meeting as we must clean up the room after we are finished.
3. For the safety of all members, guests and their dogs, it is strongly recommended that all dogs be kept up to date on their vaccinations. ALL dogs that are old enough MUST have a current rabies shot.
JULY 2007 MEETING INFORMATION
There will be no meeting in July, as the first Wednesday is Independence Day.
AUGUST 2007 MEETING INFORMATION
The club picnic will take place Wednesday, August 1st, in our normal meeting room at the Millbrook Exchange Park Community Center, starting at 7:00. We'll have indoor activities and a potluck dinner, with no planned program or business meeting. The picnic will be open not only to club members and their family, but guests as well. So please invite a friend or anyone you think would be interested in our dog club. If you are not a member and are interested in attending, please contact Mary Bjelica at 919-819-1062 so we will be sure to have enough food and beverages. All well-behaved dogs are also invited to attend.
To properly prepare, please contact Rosemary by calling her at 460-0767 with the following information by Wednesday July 25th:
1. Will you be attending - Yes or No
2. How many people will you be bringing, i.e. spouse, children, all total - #________
3. Please let her know what you'll be bringing by means of a side dish or dessert for the potluck
dinner - I will be bringing __________________.
The club will provide the main meat dish which will probably be Kentucky Fried Chicken. Paper products are covered.
SEPTEMBER 2007 MEETING INFORMATION
The next meeting of the German Shepherd Dog Club of Greater Raleigh will be held on Wednesday, March 7 at the Exchange Park. Socialization will begin at 7:00 PM with the program starting at 7:30 PM. All well behaved dogs are also invited to attend the meeting along with their owners. The program will consist of the following: Dr. Jared Conley from Falls Pointe Animal Hospital will be speaking about caring for geriatric pets. Is your furry friend going grey? Does that tail wag with the same joy but now a little slower? Is your dog stiffer than the stick he’s chasing? Join Dr. Conley to learn helpful ways to keep your senior pet companion comfortable and healthy during their golden years. Topics include preventive medicine, pain management, nutritional care, and hospice for our beloved older pets.
Refreshments will be furnished by Joyce Falzarano.
Meeting Minutes From
May 2, 2007
Program: Janine Hamlin and her dog Duncan gave a freestyle exhibition. Freestyle is a dance-like competition taught at several facilities in Raleigh, including Teamworks . There is also a Canine Freestyle Club starting this month. This is a fun activity for both the dog and owner. If you have any questions about getting started in this new sport, contact Janine for further information.
Meeting: Bill Pfeiffer gave us an update on the Parent Club (GSDCA), particularly changes to membership requirements. They are also looking at separating the herding competition from the Nationals to help find more show sites. This year Nationals are in Colorado, then on to Beaumont, TX in 2008 and Ohio in 2009. The working dog sport will start this year and GSDCA will be the first breed club to host this new sport. To compete in the AKC sporting dog event you must join your breed parent club.
Also Bill reported that the GSDCA is going to have its own stand-alone web server and will offer web hosting to regional clubs free of charge.
First reading: David & Rebecca Justice
Third reading: Butch & Judy Latta
Derek & Joyce Falzarano
Welcome to the Club!
Treasurer’s Report: Sara reported a new balance of $5,072.90. She also included a completed report on the 2007 show and a comparison of the past 5 years expenses and receipts.
Meeting Minutes From
June 6, 2007
Program: Page Wages of the Oberlin Animal Hospital came to talk about vaccines of all sorts especially for puppies. She was very informative about this important issue.
Meeting: Bill Pfeiffer gave us an update on the latest at the GSD Parent Club. There is a computer program available to help clubs do their catalog easily and quickly. The parent club is looking into working something out with the developer of the program to help fund it for local clubs to access for a low cost. The parent club is also going to host the regional clubs’ web sites for free.
Bill also spoke about compiling a list of show judges for future shows since so many of them are booked years in the future and we need to plan ahead to line up the best judges possible. He already has the two judges we will need for the 2008 show – Lew Bunch and Barbara Lopez. The club voted for him to go ahead and book them now. Also, we talked about doing a temperament test for the 2008 show- Bill said we would need the approval of the Durham Kennel Club. For the 2008 show Mary Bjelica will be show secretary and Sarah will be show chairwoman. They hope to put together a task list for other members to volunteer to help.
New business- Mary Bjelica talked about the Responsible Dog Owner Day hosted by the AKC in September. She is willing to organize a table is anyone will volunteer to help her. The event will be at the fairgrounds and she will let us know the date.
There will be no July meeting. The August meeting will also be the club picnic.
Second reading: David & Rebecca Justice
Treasurer’s Report: Sarah reported that she will now be able to do a final report on the March show.
Brags: Rebecca Justice has 9 puppies now 6 weeks old.
Summertime Alert for Dogs Who Swim
(abridged by J. Hamlin)
Freshwater ponds, lakes and streams could be deadly to your water dog if they contain toxins borne by blue-green algae.
If the water where your dog swims looks cloudy, with a green or blue-green cast, you should suspect a dangerous overgrowth of blue-green algae, and prevent your dog from ingesting the water.
Whole Dog Journal confirmed a recent report, currently in wide circulation in dog-related e-mail lists, from a Michigan dog owner whose nine-month-old Border Collie, Vita, died shortly after swimming in a pond near Fenton, Michigan. The man regularly brought his three Border Collies to the pond for conditioning swims. But on Monday, June 25, his youngest dog threw up after drinking some of the water, and shortly afterward, lost consciousness. Thinking that the dog had heatstroke, the owner immediately applied ice to her stomach, checked her temperature (which was normal), checked her gums (also normal), and called his veterinarian. The owner quickly took his unconscious dog to an emergency veterinary clinic, and she was placed on a ventilator, but did not survive.
The emergency vet told the dog’s owner that he had recently seen other dogs die of blue-green algae toxicity – a condition that can kill pets, livestock, and people who drink the contaminated water. “Had I ever heard of the danger of blue-green algae, I never would have allowed my dogs to swim in that or any other pond; I would have bought a pool,” the owner told Whole Dog Journal.
The dangers of a “toxic bloom” of blue-green algae are well known in some states. According to a website published by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, certain environmental conditions that generally occur late in summer can trigger a sudden overgrowth of a certain family of algae called cyanobacteria. This type of algae occurs in many aquatic environments year-round, but may thrive to a dangerous degree in during periods of sustained warm, sunny days in shallow, nutrient rich bodies of water. In these conditions, the blue-green algae suddenly “blooms” – that is, reproduces exponentially. The algae produce a powerful toxin – one of the most powerful natural poisons known. The state of Minnesota warns its citizens about this hazard, stating that the blue-green algae blooms are occasionally responsible for the deaths of livestock and dogs who drink contaminated water.
However, when the man whose dog died this week in Michigan contacted his state’s Department of Natural Resources, looking for more information about the dangerous algae, he says he was told that the toxic blooms rarely occur except in late summer, and not to either panic or panic other people. “Had someone else panicked, we wouldn’t be having this conversation right now,” the grieving owner told the state representative.
Dog owners should be aware that toxic algae blooms usually occur in late summer or early fall, but can occur at any time. They can occur in marine, estuarine, and (especially) fresh water. The latter are of the greatest concern to dog owners, as dogs are commonly taken to ponds, lakes, and reservoirs in the summer for recreation, exercise, and cooling -- and they routinely drink the water. Some of these algae blooms look like foam, scum, or mats on the surface of the water. The blooms can be blue, bright green, brown, or red (“red tide” is perhaps the best-known so-called “harmful algal bloom”) – but some blooms may not affect the appearance of the water. The water may or may not smell bad. As a further difficulty to dog owners trying to protect their dogs, not all algal blooms are toxic!
When an algal bloom is toxic, obviously, it can kill or seriously sicken an animal, sometimes as quickly as within 15 or 20 minutes of ingestion. The effects depend on the amount ingested, the size of the animal, the amount of food in the animal’s stomach (a full stomach has some protective effect), the sensitivity of the species and individual animal, and the amount of toxin present in the bloom.
According to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, “An animal that has ingested toxins from an algae bloom can show a variety of symptoms, ranging from skin irritation or vomiting to severe disorders involving the circulatory, nervous and digestive systems, and severe skin lesions. In the worst case, the animal may suffer convulsions and die…. People are seldom seriously affected by toxic algae because the unpleasant odor and appearance of water associated with blue-green algae blooms tend to make us avoid it. However, skin rashes, nasal irritation, or other health effects may result from skin contact with algal toxins. Swallowing or ingesting water with a blue-green algae bloom may cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, or nausea; headache, throat irritation, or muscle pain; and in severe cases paralysis or respiratory failure.”
Further, the Minnesota Department of Health recommends that humans not ingest, swim or wade in water with blue-green algae, or let children or pets enter it. “If contact does occur, the material should be washed off thoroughly, paying special attention to the swimsuit area. If your pet comes in contact with a bloom, wash off your pet’s coat to prevent the pet from ingesting the algae while self-cleaning. If you suspect the animal is sick from the algae, call a veterinarian immediately.”
Prevent Your Dog From Suffering Heat Stress This SummerBy CJ Puotinen (abridged by J. Hamlin)
Hot weather spells trouble for dogs. Because they can’t release heat by sweating the way humans do, heat and humidity can raise canine body temperatures to dangerous levels. Heat stroke kills, and heat stress (a less severe condition) can take a serious toll on a dog’s health. Unfortunately, heat-related problems are among the most common summer canine ailments. Here are some strategies and products for helping hot dogs chill out.
To reduce canine summer heat stress, let your dog become accustomed to climate changes naturally and gradually, the way animals adapt in the wild. Schedule long walks for the coolest time of the day but spend a few minutes outdoors during warmer hours, too. Unless your climate is dangerously hot, your dog can be comfortable for short periods.
Summer daytime temperatures are coolest at dawn and dusk. Just after sunrise and just before sunset are the best times to take your dog for a run or a long walk. Humidity matters as much as temperature; in fact, a combination of high humidity and moderate temperatures can stress a dog as much as mid-day sun. Always watch for signs of stress. Dogs pant to release heat, so if your dog pants more heavily than usual, slow down, stop, find shade, offer water, and rest for a while.
Ideal dog exercise locations are shaded parks or lawns near a pond, river, creek, or pool. Beaches are usually cooler than inland areas, and both lakes and oceans (assuming conditions are safe for swimming) allow dogs to cool off whenever they like. Whether your dog is a wader or swimmer, let him rest in the shade after playing in water. At home, a plastic wading pool can be a perfect place to dip and chill.
Whenever temperatures climb, provide extra drinking water. Your dog’s panting cools him by releasing body heat, but this process also can dehydrate his body. To encourage a hot dog to drink on hot days, resupply his cold water. Some people fill a dog bowl or bucket and freeze it overnight. As it melts during the day, it provides a steady supply of refreshing, cold water (check to make sure it melts quickly enough to provide as much water as he might wish to drink). Alternatively, or in addition, freeze or simply chill water in the refrigerator in a plastic water bottle and add the melting or chilled contents to your dog’s water periodically throughout the day. Change your dog’s water more often during hot weather and add ice cubes to your dog’s bowl.
Many hot dogs enjoy curling up with a nice cold ice pack. A frozen plastic water bottle stays cool for hours. Dogs who use frozen water bottles as pillows cool down quickly, since blood circulates close to the surface at the neck and throat.
For summer comfort, nothing beats the shade of trees, so as you plan the day’s activities, look for parks, play areas, picnic tables, and hiking trails that are sheltered from direct sunlight. At home, if your dog doesn’t have a dog door or easy access in and out, be sure he has shade to rest in and ample water supplies. The sun’s angle changes with the seasons, so be aware of shifting shade patterns. Providing shade is most important between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Ventilation and air circulation are crucial when dogs are confined to pens, crates, and kennels. Solid walls interfere with air circulation while chain link fencing, screens, or mesh fabric allow the air to move. Shade covers help reduce heat loads, and fans that circulate air have a cooling effect. Study the forecast as you schedule play dates and outdoor events. When heat and humidity are high, save outdoor activities for breaks in the weather or days with lower humidity.
It’s never safe to leave a dog in a parked vehicle. The inside of a car parked in the sun, even with its windows down, can increase by several degrees per minute, quickly reaching 125◦ F or even 150◦ F.
Keep your dog well groomed, with frequent brushing to remove dead hair, especially the undercoat. Some long-haired or heavy-coated dogs feel much more comfortable with short summer cuts, keeping in mind that dogs whose coats are shaved or cut very short are at risk for sunburn.
Heat stress risks
Heat stress, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke or heat prostration are increasingly severe levels of the same basic condition.
Any dog can suffer from heat stress, but dogs who are most susceptible include the very young and old; any dog with a history of heat stress; breeds with flat faces or short noses; and dogs who are overweight, physically inactive, have cardiovascular disease, or respiratory problems. Some prescription drugs may increase the risk.
The symptoms of heat stress include profuse panting, salivation, an anxious expression, staring without seeing, failing to respond to commands, skin that is warm and dry, fever, rapid pulse, fatigue or exhaustion, muscular weakness, and physical collapse.
The symptoms of heat stroke or heat prostration can include a warm nose and foot pads, glazed eyes, heavy panting, rapid pulse, a dark red tongue, fever, dizziness, vomiting or diarrhea, immobility, and unconsciousness. Brain damage occurs when the body’s temperature reaches 106◦ to 107◦ F. A dog’s normal temperature is 100.5◦ to 101.5◦ F .
If your dog experiences any of the above symptoms, provide immediate first aid. Your rapid response may save your dog’s life.
Reduce your dog’s temperature by moving her into shade and immersing her gradually into cool water, such as in a stream, pond, fountain, horse trough, bath tub, or wading pool. Otherwise, wet the dog thoroughly, pouring a continuous stream of cool water over her body, beginning with the head and extremities, from a hose, watering can, bottle, or pan. If possible, apply ice packs to her head and neck. Apply wet towels to her abdomen, groin, legs, head, and neck.
If you can, take your dog’s temperature and continue applying cool wet towels until it returns to normal.
As soon as possible, take your dog to a veterinary clinic. Even if she seems to have recovered, her body temperature could increase again; heat stress always carries a risk of brain damage; and depending on the dog’s age, physical condition, and the amount of time spent with an elevated temperature, complications can occur.
Dog Letters To God
Dear God,
How come people love to smell flowers, but seldom, if ever, smell one another? Where are their priorities?
Dear God,
When we get to Heaven, can we sit on your couch? Or is it the same old story?
Dear God,
Excuse me, but why are there cars named after the jaguar, the cougar, the mustang, the colt, the stingray, and the rabbit, but not one named for a dog? How often do you see a cougar riding around? We dogs love a nice ride! I know every breed cannot have its own model, but it would be easy to rename the Chrysler Eagle the Chrysler Beagle!
Dear God,
If a dog barks his head off in the forest and no human hears him, is he still a bad dog?
Dear God,
When my foster mom's friend comes over to our house, he smells like musk! What's he been rolling around in?
Dear God,
Is it true that in Heaven, dining room tables have on-ramps?
Dear God,
If we come back as humans, is that good or bad?
Dear God,
More meatballs, less spaghetti, please.
Dear God,
When we get to the Pearly Gates, do we have to shake hands to get in?
Dear God,
We dogs can understand human verbal instructions, hand signals, whistles, horns, clickers, beepers, scent IDs, electromagnetic energy fields, and Frisbee flight paths. What do humans understand?
Dear God,
Are there dogs on other planets, or are we alone? I have been howling at the moon and stars for a long time, but all I ever hear back is the beagle across the street.
Dear God,
Are there mailmen in Heaven? If there are, will I have to apologize?
Dear God,
Is it true that dogs are not allowed in restaurants because we can't make up our minds what NOT to order? Or is it the carpets again?
Dear God,
When my family eats dinner they always bless their food. But they never bless mine. So, I've been wagging my tail extra fast when they fill my bowl. Have you noticed my own blessing?
Dear God,
I've always lived at the shelter and I have everything I need. But many of the cats here have names and I don't. Could you give me a name please? It would be good for my self-esteem.
Dear God,
The new terrier I live with just peed on the Oriental rug and I have a feeling my family might blame me 'cuz they think I'm jealous of this stupid dog. Since they have no sense of smell, how can I convince them I'm innocent? Does PetsMart sell lie detectors?
THE (REAL) EDITOR AT THE COMPUTER
